Emily Herrick {Crazy Old Ladies} Trunk Show

It's been a week since the quilt Retreat and I am still daydreaming about the beautiful quilts we saw over the weekend. I was able to take some pictures of the quilts Emily showed at her Trunk Show, she did a lovely job of showing her quilts, patterns and fabric. There were so many ooohs and ahhhs, ee were spoiled rotten! Thanks Emily.

This was my favorite quilt of all. I love the white with the "waves" machine quilting. The fabric is from her Going Coast Line she designed for Michael Miller.

I can't wait for her "Hall of Fame" line of fabric to come out early next year. I want to make matching quilts for my boys bed with her Pep Rally pattern. (Far right quilt)

Handmade Hexagons with Hand Appliqué. Her machine quilting is amazing...she is so talented.

Emily's pile of quilts! The one on top is "Urban Life". Check out Emily's Etsy Shop to buy patterns and quilts.

For more posts about the Retreat check out these blogs:

Diary of a Quilter

Short Cookie

Shondstras

Making ends Meet

Peppermint Dessert ~ Mid Week Munchies

I couldn't have been more pleased with how the meals turned out during the Retreat. I have to admit I was really stressing over what to make, how to prepare it and if everyone would like it. I had a beautiful kitchen to use during the retreat at Ivory Ridge but it lacked a oven and stove top. So I had to be creative. I relied heavily on my crockpots and my best arsenal in my kitchen: my Mom! She is an amazing cook and was an even better sous chef last weekend. I couldn't have done it without her!!

With the encouragement of the attendees I am sharing all the recipes from the Quilt Retreat. First up: Peppermint Dessert. This has been a family favorite for as long as I can remember. My mom would make it around the Christmas holiday and because it is a no bake, it is a great make ahead dessert.

Enjoy!

Peppermint Dessert:

I make this recipe using two kitchen appliances: my Kitchenaid and Cuisinart. I loved the layer look and I also love that this dessert is no bake. Just out of the freezer and into your mouth. Yum!!

Crust: 2 cups crushed Nilla Wafers
1 cube of Butter (melted)

Don't skimp on the butter. The wafers need to be really moist and soak up all the butter in order to make the layers work. Also, I crush my wafers in my Cuisinart. Place wafers in the bottom of a 9 by 13 pan. Spread and pat with a fork evenly across pan. Place in fridge to start freezing while you make the chocolate.

Chocolate:
1 cup butter or two cubes (softened)
2 cups powdered sugar
6 egg yolks
2 oz. semisweet chocolate (melted)
1/2 cup crushed walnuts

Beat softened butter and powdered sugar until creamy. Add egg yolks and beat again. Because you don't cook this dessert, make sure you don't have any lumps of butter. Melt chocolate in microwave and add, beat again. Fold in walnuts by hand. Layer on top of wafers. Place in fridge to start freezing while you make the peppermint.

Peppermint:
2 cups heavy whipping cream (whipped)
3 cups mini marshmallows
1 cup crushed walnuts
1/2 cup crushed peppermint

Beat cream until cream holds shape, dot not over beat cream because you will do some stirring by hand, so just watch your cream while mixing. I use my Cuisinart to crush the peppermint. I mix the peppermint to a very fine texture, almost like powder. Then fold in marshmallows, nuts and peppermint. Stir until just mixed. Layer on top of chocolate. Place in fridge until hard. About 6 hours, if freezing overnight cover with tin foil.

Quilting Retreat Recap

(Maggie's sewing machine)

Now that I've come up for air...and the Quilting Retreat is finished (sigh*) I have lots of photos to share over the two day retreat. The Quilting Retreat in a nutshell was phenomenal and it was all possible because of the ah-mazing ladies who quilted and the inspiring projects they worked on. I am already planning next years Retreat, so stay tuned for dates!

I wish I had taken more photos and "caught on camera" ever special moment. Here are just a few of my favorites:  

Kristen working on her bed quilt. (I know this picture is out of focus!) But I loved it anyway. She worked on a denim jean and upholstery quilt from scraps. Once it was all put together the pinwheels were amazing. 

Maggie working on her table runner swap. This quilt's new home will be all the way in the Shetland Islands. The houses and trees are paper pieced and with such great modern fabrics it will surely become an heirloom.

Christmas projects were everywhere! This one has been six years in the making!

April's scrap bag... I so need one of these. So handy and cute. The ladies had such fun tools, I am adding this bag to the top of  my to-do list of projects. Maybe if I had this bag, my scraps wouldn't make such a mess on the floor!

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I even worked a little on my Dresden blades. With cooking, CHATTING and admiring everyone else's projects it is a complete wonder I got anything done. Note to self: need to learn how to quilt at my own Retreat.

A little peak....

I've got a million things to get done today for the Quilt Retreat tomorrow. I am so excited it is almost here!! It is going to be an ultra inspiring weekend. Here is just a little peak into a couple "surprises" I have been working on for the attendees. Too fabulous!!

 I'm calling these my "envelope bags" so easy! Next week I'll have a tutorial to make some yourself.

Half Dresden zipper pouch. This beauty measures 14" by 8" perfect for a small sewing or knitting project.

Quilt Retreat ~ Appliqué Class and Trunk Shows

Last bit of news about the Quilt Retreat. This weekend: November 13th is the last day to sign up for the Quilt Retreat. Don't miss out! Make sure and SIGN-UP for the all fun! Really all the fun! If you want more information about the Retreat: click on "Retreat" on the far right of the menu bar.

Amy Ellis of Amy's Creative Side will be hosting the Trunk Show on Friday, November 18th. She is the co-creator of the Sewing Summit, which I attended last month and is the author of: Modern Basics. I am thrilled to have her sharing her amazing quilts. The Saturday Trunk Show will be hosted by Emily Herrick of Crazy Old Ladies. 

Also, Jeanette Hartvigsen is teaching our Hand Appliqué Class. If you've been wanting to learn hand appliqué or get some help improving your skills ~ sign up for her class. She is an incredible teacher. Here is a sampling of her lovely work.

 Happy Veterans Day!